Sailing in Stockholm archipelago

The Stockholm archipelago is one of the world's most spectacular. While the Stockholm Archipelago may seem practically infinite, it actually consists of 24,000 islands, islets and rocks. Close to the mainland, the islands are larger and more lush, the bays and channels wider and year-around residents more numerous. As you travel further out towards the sea, the scenery becomes more rugged finally ending in sparse windblown islets. During summer, the archipelago is filled with sailboats as many Stockholmers ply the waters from island to island. Visitors can also enjoy our archipelago by travelling on one of the many white steamers or modern vessels.

Accommodation

Choose among the tours to the islands or simply tailor your own archipelago holiday. Throughout the archipelago you will find many inviting hotels and hostels. Several of these have high-quality restaurants, usually serving local produce and fish. Staying in the archipelago is popular during summer. We therefore suggest you reserve accommodation well ahead. Choose among hotels, inns, and youth and family hostels. Many hostels are located in buildings of historic and cultural interest. Spend a night in a Victorian style home or a former quarantine station.

The Destination Stockholm Archipelago catalogue lists more than 350 holiday homes for weekly rent. Some are also available for shorter rental periods. For bookings, contact Hotellcentralen at the Central Station +46 8 789 24 56. Island holiday Holiday cottages in the Stockholm archipelago are available for weekly rental.

The staff at the Excursion Shop in Sweden House can assist in booking hotels, hostels, suggest Bed & Breakfast accommodation as well as provide information about boat sailings to archipelago islands.

Mecca for yachtsmen

Sandhamn is perhaps the best-known excursion destination in the archipelago, the island is the main centre for sailing. The Royal Swedish Yacht Club was established here 100 years ago. The island itself is called "Sandön" (The Sand Island), and Sandhamn is the name of the village with its harbour. The island has about 100 permanent residents. Near the harbour you will find a couple of hotels, restaurants, shops and other services. The village with its narrow alleys and closely-packed houses is well worth exploring.

Sandhamns Värdshus + 46 8 571 530 51.
Seglarrestaurangen + 46 8 571 531 70.

Just outside the village there is an old cemetery with gravestones on which you can make out the names of seafarers from many different parts of the world. There was originally a customs station here, and Sandhamns Värdshus restaurant has been serving sailors ever since 1672. With its fine sandy beaches, the island is an ideal place if you want a swim. You can also try your hand at scuba diving. Inquire at the Excursion Shop in Sweden House which can book an introductory course. The boat journey from Stockholm takes about three hours if you travel on one of the vintage steamers but faster boat travel is also available. Sandhamn can also be reached starting by bus to Stavsnäs followed by a short 30-minute boat trip.

Fjäderholmarna - Gateway to the archipelago

Fjäderholmarna - The Feather Islands - is the joint name for a group of four islands. The boat trip from the city takes about 25 minutes and you arrive at the main island, where you will find a boat museum and an aquarium with a fascinating collection of typical Baltic Sea fish. On the island there is also a fish-smoking plant, a bakery, a couple of restaurants, arts and crafts shops - all within easy walking distance. In bygone days, the Fjäderholmarna islands constituted the last chance for a refreshment stop for the archipelago residents as they rowed in towards the city to sell their produce. Today, the islands are an attractive destination for an excursion. Do not miss this opportunity to catch a glimpse of the typical archipelago atmosphere only minutes from the capital. Frequent boat services are available from Strömkajen and Slussen.
Fjäderholmarnas Krog + 46 8 718 33 55.

Vaxholm
The archipelago's fortress town Vaxholm is only a one-hour boat trip away from Stockholm. Founded in 1647, the historic town of Vaxholm is compact and easy to explore on foot. With plenty of attractive shops, Vaxholm is an idyllic town to visit during summer. By the central town square you will see the town hall. Nearby is "Rådhusboden" which sells typical archipelago handicraft items. The town has several restaurants. Near the quay you will find Waxholms Hotel with an excellent restaurant from which you have a fine view of the harbour and the ships passing. Waxholms hotell + 46 8 541 301 50. On the small island opposite the town is Vaxholm Castle with its Fortress Museum. The castle is easily reached by boat from the town. Part of the fortress dates from the 16th century and the stretch of water below the building was formerly the main sea route to Stockholm. Thus, the fortress was strategically situated to defend the city from naval attacks. Since the mid 19th century, its military importance has ceased and today it houses a fascinating museum. Light refreshments are available at the castle, + 46 8 541 720 00. The Excursion Shop sells tours to Vaxholm.

Utö

Mines from the 12th century Utö is probably the most complete tourist site in the entire archipelago. You will find just about everything here: a hotel, youth hostel, restaurants, swimming and camping sites, bicycle hire, a guest harbour, fishing opportunities and lots of interesting things to see. During summer, you can travel by boat directly to the jetty at Utö. By the landing is a tourist information centre where you can obtain maps and brochures. Utö boasts Sweden's oldest iron mine and the 18th century miners' homes on Lurgatan have been carefully preserved. Take a look down into the deep mine shaft and visit the small Mine Museum. Also visit the 18th century mill from which there is a fabulous view. You can swim right by the landing stage or walk across the island and swim there. The Utö Värdshus restaurant is well known for its cuisine. + 46 8 501 571 00. For a meal, or perhaps just a cup of coffee, you can also head for the local bakery known for its famous Utö bread loaf. There are year-round sailings to the island from Årsta Havsbad, as well as some from Dalarö. Tours are available at the Excursion Shop.

Grinda

The name means The green island. The island of Grinda is two hours from Stockholm by boat. The island is popular among Stockholmers for swimming, sports activities and relaxing excursions. You can wander along paths and lanes - it is only a 15-minute walk across the island. There is a small hotel and restaurant, a shop open during summer as well as a simple camping site. Rowing boats can be rented. Grinda Värdshus + 46 8 542 494 91.